Barking and Dagenham Council has paid tribute to former Councillor David Smith, who represented the Eastbury Ward from 1986 to 1990. At a recent Assembly meeting, councillors shared memories of Mr Smith, highlighting his dedication to the community, his commitment to representing the people of Eastbury, and his passion for housing tenants.
During his time representing Eastbury Ward, Mr. Smith focused on hyper-local community issues. According to Councillor Worby, his approach was very community-focused,
exemplified by a monthly magazine addressing issues such as overhanging hedges.
The Assembly marked Mr Smith's passing with a minute's silence, honouring his service to the borough.
Councillor Tony Ramsey, Labour Group Chair, remembered Mr Smith as both a friend and political opponent. He recalled lively political debates at the Spotted Dog pub with Sheila Delaney and Darren Best. Mr. Smith's political career was curtailed when he stood as an independent liberal after losing his seat in 1990 to Pat Manley and Gordon Mayer. Councillor Ramsey noted that Mr. Smith's opposition to the amalgamation with the SDP may well have curtailed his future successful political career.
Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, spoke of Mr Smith's focus on community issues and his opposition to the amalgamation with the SDP. She noted his dedication to representing the people of Eastbury, stating that he hated the idea of the amalgamation with the SDP, and what that would mean to the principles of how he had operated, and how he would have to work going forward.
Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development, shared anecdotes from former Liberal and Liberal Democrat councillors. He mentioned Mr Smith's passion for housing tenants, which he pursued as an environmental health officer, then as a councillor, and later in London, Wales and Bristol. He also noted Mr Smith's collection of early editions from the Left Book Club. The Left Book Club was a British publishing organisation that aimed to provide affordable, left-wing books to the public. David Smith's avid collection of early editions from the Left Book Club, alongside his passion for John Stuart Mill's On Liberty, reveals a complex political leaning, combining elements of left-wing thought with liberal ideology.
